Parents request prompt capitation prior to the reopening of schools
Parents across the nation have expressed worries about the slow release of capitation funds by the Ministry of Education, just days ahead of schools reopening for the second term.
With educational institutions about to resume, school leaders and parents are concerned that additional delays could hinder operations, impacting the quality of education.
Public schools heavily depend on government-provided funds to manage operational expenses, such as staff salaries, infrastructure upkeep, and learning materials. Nonetheless, ongoing delays in funding disbursement have left numerous institutions struggling to fulfill their financial obligations.
“We cannot efficiently run schools without prompt funding,” stated Ann Langat, a parent representative from Bomet County. “Delays compel schools to impose additional levies on parents, many of whom are already grappling with elevated living costs. ”
Education stakeholders are now urging for stricter oversight to guarantee that capitation funds are disbursed punctually. “The government must place education funding as a priority to prevent unnecessary disruptions,” remarked Grace Tanui, a teacher in Kericho. “Delays negatively impact both students and institutions. ”
As the countdown to reopening day continues, parents and school leaders remain optimistic that the ministry will act promptly to prevent another crisis.
The delayed allocation of capitation funds to public schools continues to be a recurring challenge, affecting learning and compelling institutions to operate on limited budgets. Capitation funds, allocated per student under the Free Primary and Day Secondary Education programs, are intended to cover critical school expenses, including textbooks, infrastructure, and operational costs. However, delays have become a common occurrence, leaving school administrators financially strained.
“This is not a new problem—it occurs every term,” commented Jane Muthoni, a teacher in Nakuru County. “We are compelled to borrow from suppliers or request additional contributions from parents, which undermines the principle of free education. ”
The repercussions of delayed capitation encompass accumulated debts, burdened parents, poor learning conditions, among others, and delays in repairs, among other issues. The Ministry of Education has consistently vowed to ensure timely fund disbursements, yet delays continue. In the 2023 financial year, Auditor-General reports indicated that some schools received funds months late, necessitating deficit spending.
“We are in the process of distributing the funds and anticipate their release soon,” mentioned a ministry official who requested anonymity. However, stakeholders continue to express skepticism, highlighting a lack of accountability. Education experts argue that systemic inefficiencies, bureaucratic obstacles, and inadequate budget planning contribute to the delays.
“The government needs to automate and simplify the disbursement process to align it with school terms,” asserted Dr. Moses Malawi, an educationist. “Delays threaten to undermine the very foundation of free education. ”